Mexico - Zihuatanejo harbor pollution still an issue?

I hesitate to bring this up but I'm doing it because I'm seeking information about a place I love to visit that has been off-limits to me for several years since early 2003 when the article below appeared.

http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30B16F73C5E0C708DDDAB0894DB4044 82&showabstract=1

I visited Zihua for several years in a row in the winter season with my extended family and friends and had gotten to know various old-timers from my city who had also been vacationing there for much, much longer. In late 2002, quite a few people, old-timers included, came down with intestinal symptoms after swimming. We're all careful about the drinking water and fresh vegetables but this was something unusual and we could definitely see and smell it in the water. Everyone who was sick was certain they had only used bottled water, but had been swimming. Fortunately I left for home about that time but did not forget about the incident and only a few weeks later found the article in the NY Times that pointed out the problem.

I've looked and looked for follow-up articles but have not found anything. I miss my favorite winter destination and would like to return this year. Can any regular visitors tell me if anything has been done regarding water treatment in this destination yet? It seems the bay was just being overflowed with raw sewage from the influx of tourists - too much of a "good thing". It was one of those unfortunate situations that I don't expect the hear about candidly from any local media or web sites, though I've searched and the Times just hasn't done any more stories. More information, anyone?

Thanks,
Rob

Rob, to be honest, the water pollution problem is a longstanding one in both Zihua and Acapulco. Ixtapa is less picturesque, to be sure, but as a relatively recent development it is certainly safer to swim there. In the bays, there is trouble - raw sewerage discharges, and during the hoiliday season, hundreds or thousands camping in every available spot - with little in the way of sanitation. That was the scene 30 years ago, and it continues to date. In Acapulco, outbreaks of cholera in the southern reaches are not unknown (cholera itself is easily cured, and most people who die form it really die due to lack of medical care combined with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.) I remember problems with some hotels' sewerage basiclaly piped into the bay in the 1950's, when my family used to vacation in Acapulto. The tourist department does not mention thiese issues (nor the violence that has struck Acapulco,) and the money seems to flow more to new shpping centers, hotels, etc. but politics insure some of the old problems are grandfathered in and nothing is done.

As visitors, it becomes incumbent on us to take care of ourselves - be careful of what we eat, as especially filter-feeding organisms like oysters and clams, can concentrate bacteria. Be aware some ground-crops liek lettuce can be contaminated with human or animal fecal bacteria - of course, this even can happen in the U S, given the recent outbreaks of E. coli in the US from contaminated lettuce and spinach. Be careful of water and ice - freezing does not destroy the cysts of either Giardia or Entamoeba, so use bottled water and avoid ice in drinks if you are not 100% sure it is from an "electropura" plant or the like. Confine your swimming to safer areas - usually, but not always, open coast with water movement.

Visit beautiful Zihuatanejo - but I'd recommend not swimming at the closer beaches within the bay system there. Even La Ropa, etc. may be a bit iffy from the sanitation side, and if the rains are washing everything from animal wastes to fertilizer and pesticide into the bay, or it is a holiday and it is very crowded, don't even think of it. I've seen many a family duck into the bush, or even rinse out a diaper in the water - they are not educated, and don't hava a clue about what they are actually doing. (I remember in Cancún and environs - when they went to Daylight Saving Time, numbers of local people protested the government was taking an hour of sunshine away from them; universal quality education is not as common as many places.)

If you do become ill, go visit a physician - don't waste your time talking to somene at a pharmacy, even though they will frequently recommend medications and sell them to you without a prescription. (Food for thought: My first ever job was at age fifteen as a pharmacy clerk and "gopher," and I recommended diarrheal treatments and sold medications to visiting American tourists because I was the one who spoke English in the Farmacia. :eek: )

In May, I recall seeing lots of debris floating in shallow water in Acapulco's Hornitos Beach area. Rather nasty.

Thanks to both of you for the info and perspective.

I'm considering visiting Troncones next since it seems to be a bit less populated. Anyone have any experiences there, good or bad to report?

Rob

it is so depressing to hear about how bad the beaches/water are at both Zihautanejo and Acapluco. These are two places I have yet to go and they have just moved down on my list. :(

I just returned from Acapulco yesterday and have to post an update.
I swam in the waters off Playa Icacos near CICI and the water was suprisingly and pleasantly clean. I stood chin deep and could easily see the sand and my feet more than 5' below. I saw no garbage floating in the water.
Also, my hotel ~1.5 blocks from the beach was only ~$45/night.
^